Mental Health Awareness Week 2025: The Power of Community
From 12 to 18 May 2025, the UK will come together to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign designed to shine a light on mental health and well-being. This year, the Mental Health Foundation has chosen the theme of ‘Community’, a topic that resonates deeply with individuals, businesses and organisations across the country—including the Electrical Industries Charity (EIC). At the EIC, we understand the importance of community in maintaining mental well-being. Whether it’s a close-knit group of colleagues, a supportive online network or the industry-wide community that connects us, having people around who care, listen and support one another makes all the difference. Why Community Matters for Mental Health Being part of a safe, positive and engaged community is vital for our mental health. We thrive when we have strong connections, meaningful relationships and access to support when we need it most. Studies show that people who are socially connected—to their families, friends, workplaces or broader communities—are happier, healthier and live longer than those who experience social isolation. For many in the electrical and energy industries, work can often be demanding, high-pressure and even isolating. Whether it’s long hours on-site, working away from home or managing the challenges of running a business, mental health can sometimes take a back seat. That’s why fostering a strong sense of community within our industry is more important than ever. What is a Community? A community isn’t just about where you live—it’s about the people you connect with through shared experiences, values and interests. It might be: At the EIC, we’re committed to creating and strengthening communities within our industry. We work to ensure that no one feels alone when facing challenges related to mental health, financial strain or personal difficulties. How the EIC Supports Community and Mental Health For 120 years, the Electrical Industries Charity has been supporting people within our sector—providing essential services that help individuals, families and businesses navigate tough times. Our work is built on the idea that community matters and that when we support each other, everyone benefits. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to celebrate and encourage the power of community by: The Role of Employers in Building Mentally Healthy Communities Businesses and workplaces play a crucial role in shaping positive communities. A supportive workplace culture can help reduce stress, boost morale, and create environments where people feel valued, connected, and able to ask for help. We encourage managers, business owners and team leaders in the electrical and energy industries to take part in Mental Health Awareness Week by: By taking action, businesses can help create healthier, happier workplaces—something that benefits both individuals and organisations alike. Recognising and Avoiding Harmful Communities While positive communities are vital for mental health, it’s also important to recognise that not all communities are supportive or safe. Some groups can be toxic, discriminatory or mentally draining, leading to stress, anxiety or low self-esteem. Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, the campaign will also highlight how to: If you or someone you know is struggling, the EIC is here to help. We offer confidential support, advice, and resources to ensure that everyone in the electrical industries has access to the right help, at the right time. How You Can Get Involved We’re calling on everyone within the electrical and energy industries to take part in Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 by: ✅ Starting conversations about mental health in your workplace or community.✅ Sharing your stories about the impact of community on your well-being.✅ Taking part in activities and events that promote connection and support.✅ Reaching out to colleagues who might be struggling with isolation or mental health challenges.✅ Using EIC resources to help build stronger, more supportive workplaces. By taking these steps, we can help break the stigma surrounding mental health and create an industry where no one feels alone. Final Thoughts This Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s celebrate the power of community—because when we support each other, we all thrive. Whether it’s at work, at home, or in our wider networks, strong communities have the power to uplift, empower, and protect our mental well-being. At the EIC, we’re proud to be part of this conversation and remain committed to building a stronger, healthier industry for all. If you need support, know someone who does or want to get involved in our work, visit www.electricalcharity.org to learn more. Together, we can make a difference.
NAPIT Explores the Positive Effects of Combining Learning and Mental Wellbeing
May 12th to 18th marks both Mental Health Awareness Week and Learning at Work Week 2025 (LAW Week). The theme is ‘community’ for Mental Health Awareness week, and ‘get connected’ for LAW Week. By combining these themes, NAPIT aims to connect through learning experiences that support mental wellbeing. This week, NAPIT are exploring how building community and connecting in the workplace have positive effects on our mental wellbeing. Being part of a positive community helps us to feel supported and gives a sense of belonging. In hard times, having a community and connecting with people provides support, safety and helps us remember we are not alone. To celebrate the power of community in support of mental health and wellbeing, throughout the week, NAPIT staff are encouraged to take part in an afternoon walk led by different staff members each day. This allows staff to have the opportunity to spend time outdoors and connect with others. Nature plays a huge role in our wellbeing, and research shows that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. In a report from the Mental Health Foundation, it states that nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration. With this in mind, NAPIT staff are encouraged to go outside into the scenic nature surrounding our NAPIT HQ at the Pleasley Vale Mills in Derbyshire. This will help staff strengthen their connections, encourage positive discussions and get closer to nature. Our staff will also be able to take part in chat sessions with coffee, tea and cake to encourage more discussions and continue the opportunity to connect. Commercial and Compliance Director Stephen Melton said: “We want to emphasise the importance of being part of a community and having a network of supportive people. Building connections can make such a difference in your mental wellbeing. “At NAPIT, we are proud to be able to support our staff. I hope that we can encourage NAPIT members and all tradespeople to check in with each other and seek support if needed. We must learn and share how we can recognise mental health struggles and what support is available. “Each year, NAPIT raises money for a chosen charity through different fundraising events. This year, our chosen charity is The Samaritans, a suicide prevention charity that has a 24/7 helpline for people thinking about suicide. “We are proud to support The Samaritans and hope to continue to encourage more conversations and connections to improve mental health.” Below, we have put together some helpful resources and contacts. Guides & Resources Mental Wellbeing Contacts Samaritans The Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day – in full confidence. Writing an email can be a calm and safe way to work through what’s on your mind. Samaritans volunteers answer each email that comes through to jo@samaritans.org. It may take several days to receive a reply by email. If you need someone straight away, you can call 116 123 any time day or night. SHOUT For free, confidential support, 24/7, text SHOUT to 85258. If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, trained Shout volunteers are available day or night. Lighthouse Charity The Lighthouse Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families. Helpline: UK – 0345 605 1956 Or email supportservices@lighthouseclub.org The Electrical Industries Charity (EIC) The EIC plays a vital role in the welfare and betterment of individuals associated with the electrical and energy industry. Helpline: 0800 652 1618 Or email support@electricalcharity.org
Werner supports skin cancer awareness during May and beyond
Leading access solution specialist, Werner, is urging professionals to take precautions to protect themselves against skin cancer, both during May’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month and beyond. This follows 2024 research from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which identified construction workers as a significant at-risk’ group for skin cancer due to ultraviolet radiation (UVR), predominantly from natural sunlight exposure. Due to their increased risk, Werner is reminding professionals to wear sunscreen, otherwise known as SPF, all year round, not solely during the spring and summer months. SPF is applied to prevent the DNA damage that sunlight causes, which can lead to skin cancer. With the warmest time of the year approaching, many professionals will be reaching for the sunscreen and taking extra precautions. However, it is important to know that UV rays can penetrate clouds in any weather conditions, even on rainy and overcast days. A reminder of the ways professionals can prevent sun damage, as laid out by the NHS: The NHS also advises regular self-checking of the skin to monitor changes, using a mirror, or asking a partner or friend to check any areas not easily visible. Should there be any changes to the shape, size or colour of any moles, freckles or patches on the skin, booking an appointment with a GP is advised. The same guidance goes for the appearance of any new growths, moles or lumps. Further to sun safety precautions, Werner also encourages trade professionals to take care when working at height during the summer period. This means taking regular breaks, staying hydrated and wearing suitable clothing. This is in addition to the regular tasks professionals working at height should be carrying out, including conducting frequent audits, regular training, using the correct equipment, and reporting any damages or breaks. Justin White, Managing Director at ProDriven Global Brands, parent company to Werner, comments: “Given the risk to trade professionals, who are regularly exposed to UV rays, we are committed to highlighting the importance of sun protection during Skin Cancer Awareness Month. “More vitally, we want to remind those working outdoors that the risk of sun damage isn’t limited to the month of May, nor just during spring and summer. Precautions must be used all year round to ensure the best protection and to prevent cancer. “We implore professionals to follow the advice given by the NHS and we urge employers and colleagues to encourage their workmates to apply sunscreen, no matter the weather.” To find out more about Werner, visit: https://www.wernerco.com/uk or For more on ProDriven Global Brands and its UK brands, please visit: https://www.prodrivenbrands.com/
ECA introduces new president Ruth Devine MBE
Ruth Devine MBE has become the 112th President at ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association). She is the second female President in ECA’s 124-year history, after Diane Johnson, who served in 2010-2011. For the past 18 years, Ruth has been a director of award-winning contractor SJD Associates Ltd, based in Milton Keynes. A prominent figure in the electrotechnical and engineering services industry, Ruth brings extensive industry experience, a deep commitment to apprenticeships, and a passion for building a more inclusive and sustainable sector. Outside of her professional role, she Chairs ECA’s Skills Committee, which advises ECA Council on relevant skills matters and supports member engagement with the skills system. She is also employer Chair of The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership (TESP), which supports the industry with clear entry and progression routes, high quality training and assessment and leading research to support industry action. She’s a founding member of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education Construction Route Panel, and the Building Safety Regulator’s Industry Competence Committee. Additionally, Ruth supports the Construction Leadership Council on skills issues and attends the Government’s Construction Skills Delivery Group. In 2023 Ruth was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours list, for her services to further education and apprenticeships. Ruth said: “It’s an honour to take on the role of ECA President at such a critical time for our industry. As we face the triple challenges of increasing demand for electrification, improving and demonstrating competence for better building safety and closing the skills gap, there has never been a more important moment to unite behind a vision of excellence, opportunity, and innovation. I look forward to working closely with our members, association staff, and stakeholders to champion the future of our sector.” Steve Bratt, Group CEO at ECA, said: “Ruth has been instrumental in both the electrical and construction industries, driving home the importance of employing apprentices to meet the demand for having the skilled workforce to take the UK to net zero carbon emissions and beyond. She recognises the importance of having the talent pipeline in place now to secure a sustainable future. “Having Ruth at the helm as President of ECA will further strengthen this drive to reach our common goal of futureproofing the UK for the next generation of electrical contractors.” At today’s ECA Council meeting, Jeremy Parkin has also been appointed as Vice President of ECA. He is Director at Powerlink Electrical Services in South Wales. Glenn Grant has been made Senior Vice President, and Stuart Smith becomes Immediate Past President. You can visit the ECA website here.
East Midlands is top spot for UK tradespeople
The East Midlands has come out on top as the best place to work in the trades, after Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ nationwide survey revealed that respondents in the region report less stress, fewer working hours, and shorter commutes than their peers across the UK. At a time when the majority of the UK’s van drivers (61%) have seen an increase in working hours, almost half (49%) of those based in the East Midlands saw no change in the hours they work. Those in the region also reported working fewer hours each day (9.03 hours) than the average UK tradesperson (9.25 hours). Conversely, those in the North West (9.49 hours), London (9.54 hours) and West Midlands (9.81 hours), came in above the UK average. What’s more, East Midlands-based tradespeople recorded shorter commutes than any other region, driving 67.95 miles every day for jobs, versus 103.39 miles in London and 98.85 miles in the North West. With the average daily distance as high as 88.37 miles, this means those in the East Midlands are driving 20 miles less than the average tradesperson each and every day. This has the potential to save drivers as many as 82.42 hours of driving each year. It’s not a surprise, therefore, that those in the region cited less stress than respondents elsewhere in the UK. When asked how regularly van drivers have felt overwhelmed by work-life balance over the last 12 months, ‘weekly’ came in as the most popular response for all regions, except the East Midlands and the North West, with tradespeople there selecting ‘monthly’ as a better match. This is driven home by the fact that, over the same period, tradespeople in the East Midlands turned down fewer jobs (2.84 days’ worth) as a result of mental health issues, compared to an average of 3.58 days, with London (4.05 days), the West Midlands (4.06 days) and Wales (5.75 days) reporting the highest number of jobs lost. Meanwhile, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ index found that tradespeople in London face some of the most challenging working conditions – this includes more demanding hours and significantly further commutes than the average UK tradesperson.1 Index breakdown by region: Average weekly working hours Stress (% feeling overwhelmed at least once per week) Average weekly work mileage INDEX TOTAL East Midlands 9.03 30% 67.95 32 pts Northern Ireland 8.32 71% 75.06 27 pts Wales 8.73 37% 90.90 24 pts South East 9.16 41% 73.61 24 pts Yorkshire and the Humber 9.12 40% 78.59 24 pts South West 9.19 37% 80.07 23 pts North East 9.31 38% 79.94 22 pts Scotland 8.69 41% 91.66 20 pts East of England 9.40 39% 86.66 17 pts North West 8.49 20% 98.85 17 pts West Midlands 9.81 37% 86.33 17 pts London 9.54 38% 103.39 12 pts Average 9.25 39% 88.37 Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager and Mental Health First Aider at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We understand the challenges that many of the UK’s tradespeople are experiencing, but the regional differences highlighted in this index, have really been eye-opening. Running a business is never easy, and that’s why van drivers up and down the country are asking for more support from us to keep them on the road. The services we provide for our customers – including our comprehensive roadside assistance, fixed-cost maintenance, tailored servicing plans and more – are all designed to deliver exactly that.” For further details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range of support, visit: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/owners-and-drivers.html
EV charging: a growing market electricians can’t afford to miss
The UK is gearing up to meet its 2035 deadline to end the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles, and the infrastructure needed to facilitate the EV adoption is racing to catch up. Mark Krull, Director at Logic4training explores how electricians with the right training and qualifications can future-proof their careers and expand their businesses by stepping into the EV charging space. If you’re a qualified electrician and haven’t yet added EV charging to your services, now’s the time to take a serious look. Targets to decarbonise vehicles are powering up demand for electric vehicle (EV) charge points like never before. As of January 1, 2025, the UK had 73,334 public EV charging devices – a 37% increase (19,657 devices) from the previous year. Whether it’s homeowners wanting to charge on their driveways, businesses installing fleet infrastructure, or local authorities rolling out public charging hubs, the opportunities for electricians are huge – and growing. In fact, EV charging is shaping up to be one of the biggest growth areas the industry has seen in decades, with aims to reach 300,000 public charging points for 2030, the focus on expanding EV infrastructure is clear. What’s driving the boom? Government targets are a big part of the picture. The Future Homes Standard (FHS), which came into effect this year, mandates that all new-build homes be future-proofed with low carbon heating and high levels of energy efficiency, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. In tandem with FHS, Part S of the Building Regulations in England, every new dwelling with associated parking must have an EV charge point. If there are fewer parking spaces than dwellings, all available spaces must be equipped with charge points. But it’s not just decarbonisation policy driving this change – it’s practical demand. More people are making the switch to electric, and they need the infrastructure to support it. That means more charging points dispersed throughout all regions including homes, supermarkets, businesses, car parks and beyond. For every EV on the road, a safe and compliant way to keep it charged is necessary. Despite this growth, regional disparities remain, with Greater London and the South East having a higher concentration of the UK’s on-street chargers compared to other regions. To tackle this disproportion, the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund aims to support local authorities in deploying chargers in underserved areas. Making significant strides under this Government initiative, Brighton and Hove have announced a project to install 6,000 on-street EV charging points, addressing the needs of the 40% of households without private driveways. Why electricians are in the perfect position If you’re a qualified electrician, you’ve already got the core skills and knowledge to step into the EV charging space – and the option of becoming a grant scheme installer. EV charge point installation involves understanding power requirements, load management and safe cable routing – routine work for most electricians. Upskilling with an EV charger installation course, places you at the forefront of delivering an in-demand service with a growing customer base. What training do you need? To install EV charge points legally and safely, especially if you want to access government grants through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), you’ll need specific training and certification. Logic4training’s EV installation course is designed for experienced electricians looking to diversify. It covers the practicalities of charger installation, compliance with the IET Code of Practice and how to work with smart chargers and load balancing. On successful completion, you’ll be qualified to register with an OZEV-approved scheme and start offering installations straight away. A gateway to low-carbon work A low carbon future comes with many opportunities for electricians to embrace – adding EV charging alongside upskilling in other green technologies, such as Solar PV, battery storage and smart home energy management – technologies that complement each other – ensures a pipeline of stable work and a stable career. The business case: more work, more value If you’re running a business, you’ll know that margins matter. EV installations are a high-value service with great earning potential. The work is varied, from single domestic units to multipoint commercial jobs. Get EV ready Electricians are perfectly placed to lead the way as the UK switches to EV. The demand is there, the training is available and the business case speaks for itself. If you’re looking to create a new revenue stream or competitive edge, EV charging could be exactly what you’re after to future proof your career and expand your business. www.logic4training.co.uk
ECA report reveals electricians as most trusted source for green home advice
Electricians are the most trusted advisers in the UK when it comes to clean energy technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, and electric vehicle chargers, according to new YouGov polling commissioned by ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association), in collaboration with electrical certification body Certsure. The findings, published today as part of ECA’s new Blueprint for Electrification: Delivering the UK’s Transition to Clean Power, show: ECA’s Blueprint outlines ten actionable recommendations for the UK government, calling for electricians to be placed at the heart of net zero strategies to accelerate electrification in homes, businesses, and communities. “Electricians are on the frontline of the UK’s shift to cleaner energy – not just installing new technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, but guiding households through the process. This polling shows they are the public’s most trusted advisers, yet their insight remains an untapped source in national net zero planning. Policymakers should harness that trust and expertise into national strategies if we want to make the transition faster, fairer, and more effective,” said Andrew Eldred, Deputy CEO of ECA. ECA polling also highlights significant barriers facing households in making their homes greener: Despite these challenges, electricians consistently top public trust rankings, demonstrating their crucial role in the UK’s energy transition. However, government initiatives often overlook electricians in public campaigns and policy decisions. Jeremy Parkin, an electrician from South Wales with over 35 years of experience, said: “Every day I see how confusing the shift to greener homes can be for people. People want clear advice from someone who knows the practicalities, costs, and what technology suits their homes. Electricians like me are often the first point of call – we’re trusted, we’re local, and we understand these technologies from first-hand experience. If our trusted role could be properly integrated into national policy, we could help thousands more households transition to greener homes faster, more easily, and with greater confidence.” ECA calls for public trust to be matched by policy action To ensure electricians can fully play their role as trusted advisers at the frontline of the UK’s energy transition, ECA is calling on policymakers to urgently establish a national electrification taskforce. A dedicated electrification taskforce would: The Blueprint for Electrification also includes further recommendations, drawing on data from ECA’s Electrical Skills Index, extensive industry consultations, and new YouGov polling, calling for: 1. Long-term policy certainty, to unlock sustained investment and effective planning. 2. Skills reform, including better-funded apprenticeship pathways to address workforce gaps. 3. Targeted incentives, to boost the number of qualified electricians entering the sector. 4. Resilient supply chains, to ensure reliable and affordable access to essential low carbon technology. 5. Simplified and consistently enforced building regulations, to streamline installations. 6. Electricity pricing reform, rebalancing levies to encourage adoption of electrified solutions. 7. Faster planning and improved grid connections, reducing delays in delivering critical infrastructure. 8. Fairer procurement and payment practices, to support SMEs within the electrical contracting sector. 9. Improved public awareness, leveraging national campaigns to educate and empower households through trusted electrical professionals. Commenting on the launch of the Blueprint, Jason Poulter National Officer for Construction at Unite said: “Unite the Union is fully supportive of ECA’s Blueprint for Electrification. Competent qualified electricians are key for the construction, retrofit, repair and maintenance of infrastructure, industry, commerce, housing, clean heat, and sustainable energy across the total construction and built environment process. Unite look forward to working further with ECA in securing the very best in electrical skills for society.”
Makita Doubles Battery Warranty
Leading power tool manufacturer Makita UK is enhancing its standard factory warranty policy on batteries from one to two years. Since the 1st April 2025, any genuine Makita battery purchased will automatically qualify for a two-year standard warranty without requiring any product registration, and this applies to XGT, LXT and CXT battery platforms. Makita offers an extensive collection of power tools, cleaning machines, landscaping equipment, and more. Developed using market leading battery technology, the Makita range provides professionals with the ability to work flexibly, and for long periods of time. The increase in the standard factory warranty offers further confidence to users in the quality and reliability of Makita batteries. “Makita batteries are developed using the latest technology to ensure products are powerful and built for tough, long-term professional use,” commented Tony Coleman, Technical Services Manager at Makita UK. “The new warranty applies to all genuine Makita batteries purchased in the UK from 1st April 2025 onwards and these batteries will automatically qualify without the need to register them. This is a clear indication of our confidence in the technology that underpins all of our products, as well as our commitment to supporting tradespeople across the UK.” For more information about the warranty terms and conditions, or to explore Makita’s extensive range of products, visit: www.makitauk.com or speak to your local Makita merchant.
Heathrow power outage was a huge ‘wake up call’ for electrical crisis response
The embarrassing failure of Heathrow chiefs to protect the airport from power failure should be a stark warning for the future. But should those in charge of such an important facility have already learned from other airports’ experiences? London Heathrow airport closed for 18 hours in March as a result of a power cut caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation. Questions remain as to how such a power cut could force the entire airport to close for so long and why an international travel hub was vulnerable to a single point of failure while a data centre near Heathrow was able to operate as normal. An investigation was launched by the government but many experts have suggested the crisis could have been handled better. Speaking on ‘Plugged In: the energy news podcast’, Simon Gallagher, the MD of UK Networks Services, questioned why the existing access to the power network couldn’t be more quickly reconfigured to provide power to the airport. He also cited the example of Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, which had problems in 2018 with high voltage fluctuations on their high voltage power supplies. They found they didn’t have enough generation to back up their terminals. The issues led them to put in more generation and introduce new testing procedures. They are now so serious about testing their supplies that they actually switch their terminals off from the main supply during the airport’s day-to-day operation to test their backup systems while thousands of passengers and staff go about their business unaware of what is going on. “Why does Heathrow not have a lot of generation backup?” he asked Richard Sverrisson, the host of Plugged In. “So right next to Heathrow, in fact, within 20 meters of the fence of the substation where the fire happened, there’s a brand-new data centre… And that data centre will ultimately consume 150MW. So, three, four times what Heathrow consumes. “And that’s connected via 66,000-volt cables to North Hyde, the exact same substation. But the big difference in that data centre and Heathrow is the data centre has got 100% generation backup. They’ve actually got twelve Rolls Royce [3MW back-up] generators … The generators fired up, they never lost operations. And they’ve got twelve generators, but they only actually need eleven. One of them is there to back up the backups.” Plugged In podcast host and Editor-in-Chief of Montel News, Richard Sverrisson, said: “What happened at Heathrow in March is a wakeup call for the airport, the aviation industry and the UK authorities. It is unacceptable that one of the world’s busiest airports was knocked out for so long because of what appears to be a single point of failure. “This episode of Plugged In provides much needed clarity about what we now know went wrong, what we still don’t know and a much clearer focus on which questions the UK authorities now need to answer.” To listen to the pod please go to the Plugged In podcast homepage here. All for the four day week The testimonials from companies that say the four day week works keep rolling in. While the media has focussed on the bosses telling their employees that ‘work from home’ is being scrapped or reduced, in the electrical industry, that was never likely an option for most. But the four day week – would that work for you? In jobs that are productivity based rather than presence based – for instance manufacturing vs a hotel receptionist – it would seem possible to get the same, or even improved results, in a shorter time. One pioneering company that has found this to be true is a small heating firm in the West Midlands. Custom Heat made the groundbreaking decision to implement a four-day working week for its entire workforce while maintaining full pay, following a successful six-month trial. The move positions the company as the first in the heating and construction sector to adopt this progressive approach, setting a new precedent for the industry. According to data from 4dayweek.co.uk, 56 out of 61 companies that tried the approach continued with it afterward. These companies reported a 35% increase in revenue, 57% reduction in staff turnover, and 25% revenue growth over the previous year. Additionally, 83% found it easier to attract talent, while 66% reported reduced employee burnout. Under the new arrangement, employees will receive 100% of their salary while working 80% of their contractual hours. Careful rostering ensures continued five-day service delivery with no impact on customer experience. “We’ve been closely monitoring both employee wellbeing and business metrics throughout our trial period, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive,” said Lincoln Smith, Managing Director at Custom Heat. “Our goal was to create a more sustainable work environment that benefits both our team members and our business outcomes.” The company’s three-month review of the trial revealed significant benefits: staff retention improved dramatically with a 66.67% reduction in employee turnover compared to the same period in 2023; job applications increased by 250% when positions were advertised with the four-day week benefit; and despite employees working 20% less time, service and repair sales only decreased by 5%, while installation team sales were down just 1%. Fuel costs decreased by up to 32% for some engineers, supporting the company’s sustainability goals, and staff absences due to sickness fell by 17.39% compared to the three months preceding the trial. Engineers who participated in the trial reported significant benefits both professionally and personally. Simon Scarfe, 56, who has been with Custom Heat for four years and in the gas industry for 25 years, initially approached the trial with caution. “I was skeptical and concerned about potential income loss,” said Mr Scarfe. “But once I understood the model, I was happy to try it. Having Wednesdays off allowed me to better balance work with my commitments as a community first responder and spend more time with family.” You can find this article in the latest issue of Electrical Trade Magazine here.
